Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain which are placed on a tooth to improve its appearance by changing its color, size, shape or by helping with positioning.

Why is the porcelain veneer used?

The treatment is mostly recommended for severely stained teeth and to fill gaps between teeth. There are many cases in which a dentist may recommend the use of a porcelain veneer. The recommendation is made after a thorough inspection of your teeth. In most cases, the veneers are used to change the look of natural teeth. They are used to correct a range of problems including:

Discolored or Stained Teeth

Fractured Teeth

To fill small gaps between the teeth that don’t warrant orthodontic treatment

To change the overall look of teeth (cosmetic dentistry)

How does porcelain veneers work?

At King West Dentistry, the procedure of installing porcelain veneers begins with the stripping of about a millimeter of the enamel of the target natural tooth. This helps create room in the mouth for the porcelain veneers. We take the bonding process seriously because it is what connects the veneers to the natural tooth. The bonding process is also what determines how the veneers function.

A special light-sensitive resin is used to adhere the veneers to the natural teeth. The resin is then cured using a light which completely hardens the adhesive and secures the bond. After the treatment, patients may experience some level of sensitivity to cold and heat but the sensitivity will go away within a few days.

What are the benefits of porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers offer instant results in improving the appearance of your teeth. The procedure is less complicated than dental implants and other restoration procedures. The benefits of using veneers include the following:

They make the natural teeth more resilient and stronger

With proper care they don’t stain like natural teeth do

Little damage will be done to the natural teeth when installing the veneers

There is no need for teeth bleaching or whitening because the veneers remain bright white

They are indistinguishable from the natural teeth. They function as good as natural teeth. Only a dentist will be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and the porcelain veneers.

What are the drawbacks of porcelain veneers?

The main drawback is that part of the enamel will be removed to create room for the veneers. Porcelain veneers will thus remain a permanent part of your mouth. If you ever get dissatisfied with the veneers your only option is to have new veneers created because the natural state of your teeth will be compromised permanently.

What is the best way to care for porcelain veneers?

Caring for the veneers is the same as caring for natural teeth. You need diligent healthy oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing. Since the veneers are brittle you should avoid destructive behaviors like biting your fingers, chewing on ice or grinding your teeth. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, porcelain veneers will serve you for many years.

Do you want to learn more about porcelain veneers and if they are perfect for you? Contact King West Dentistry now and set up an appointment with one of our dentists in our Toronto or North York locations.